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Lawsuit filed over Hollywood Community Plan

In a legal challenge likely to be debated among candidates in the 2013 mayor’s race, a Hollywood group is suing the city over approvals of new zoning laws that allow for taller buildings in the neighborhood.

On Wednesday, the La Mirada Neighborhood Association of Hollywood filed a lawsuit in L.A. Superior Court over passage of the Hollywood Community Plan, a blueprint that guides planning and development in Hollywood.

The suit alleges that plan, which would allow for taller buildings in some areas of Hollywood, violates the California Environmental Quality Act, the landmark state law governing development.

Among other things, the lawsuit claims the city failed to consider the effects of traffic, air quality, and land use in approving the Hollywood Community Plan.

Led by City Councilman Eric Garcetti, who represents the area, the City Council unanimously approved the plan last month.

Garcetti is also running for mayor in next year’s race. Other candidates include City Controller Wendy Greuel, Councilwoman Jan Perry, and radio talk show host Kevin James.

Many of the candidates have been asked about development issues at recent forums.

La Mirada Neighborhood Association of Hollywood is led by Doug Haines, a Hollywood resident who has led numerous legal challenges against the city over density issues in the neighborhood.

Development is particularly sensitive for locals in Hollywood, a large neighborhood with a mixture of both tree-lined streets and bungalows, as well as high-rises and bustling boulevards.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for Garcetti said she couldn’t comment on the specifics of the legal action because her office hasn’t seen the lawsuit.

“The Hollywood Community Plan protects the character of residential neighborhoods and tackles traffic head-on which is why it has broad support from Hollywood neighborhood councils, small business owners, and community organizations,” wrote Julie Wong in an email. “It’s a huge improvement over piecemeal planning using a document from 1988 — if ever there was a moment in time in which to freeze Hollywood, 1988 would not be it.”

UPDATE: Two more lawsuits were filed this week. SaveHollywood.org, described as a group of Hollywood homeowners and business owners, filed a similar lawsuit on July 13. Additionally, a group called Fix the City, which includes community activist Mike Eveloff, sued the city over the plan on Wednesday.